Blog Tours

Fracture by Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott: RB, Excerpt, Release Day Review *2 and Giveaway

March 29, 2019 by Denise

After three years, Snow and Jude’s relationship is still passionate and strong. They’re getting ready for a romantic vacation at home when Jude receives a horrifying call no one wants to receive. His youngest brother was found barely clinging to life. While Jude’s family is rallying around Jordan, Jude is determined to find out what happened to him.

Snow and Jude follow the clues, investigating a side of Jordan’s life none of them knew about…and is far darker than any would have believed possible. They get pulled deeper into the seedy side of life, while echoes from a past Snow thought he walked away from return to offer an unexpected insight into the cause of Jordan’s injuries.

But someone else has noticed their involvement and is furious, putting them both in danger. The risk is high but so is Jude’s determination to find the truth—though the knowledge could very well fracture his heart.

Title: Fracture

Series: Unbreakable Bonds Series #6

Author: Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott

Publisher: Drake & Elliott LLC

Release Date: March 29, 2019

Heat Level: 4 – Lots of Sex

Pairing: Male/Male

Length: 71,000

Genre: Romance, Thriller/Suspense

Add to Goodreads

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Shiver (Book #1)

Shatter (Book #2)

Torch (Book #3)

Devour (Book #4)

Blaze (Book #5)

Snow rushed through the emergency room with Jude. His heart was pounding so hard it was like he could feel it in his throat, threatening to choke off his airway. A sinister nagging voice in the back of his head kept repeating, <em>Three years, three years, three years</em>.

Roughly three years ago, he’d run into this same hospital to find one of his best friends on the floor, his entire world falling apart because his wife had been killed in what had appeared to be a car accident. And he hadn’t been there to operate on her. To save her life.

Melissa Ward had been light and laughter and happiness. She’d brought joy to all who knew her.

And Rowe Ward had been devastated to lose her. They all had been.

They’d nearly lost Rowe to his grief.

Now Snow was running through the hospital where he and Jude worked nearly every day. He was vaguely aware of familiar faces registering surprise and flashes of sadness as they passed by, but it didn’t matter. They stopped only long enough to find out that Jordan was in surgery and that Jude’s family was already in the surgical ICU waiting room.

“Snow,” Jude said in a low, shaky breath as they waited for the elevator to ascend to the correct floor. That broken sound gutted him.

He reached over and wrapped his hand around the back of Jude’s neck, pulling him tight against his taller frame. “We’ll figure this out,” he replied, forcing the words past the lump in his throat while telling himself that this was not going to be like Mel.

Jordan was a strong young man. Not even twenty-one yet. A good guy who loved to laugh. Definitely not the sort to seek out trouble. This had to be nothing more than him being in the wrong damn place at the wrong damn time. The doctors on call would be able to fix him up and get him safely on the mend.

But he couldn’t give Jude promises that he couldn’t keep or offer fake platitudes. Jude had worked as a paramedic for several years now. He’d been the paramedic first on the scene for Mel. He knew how quickly things could turn bad with nothing anyone could do to stop them.

“My brain won’t accept it. Not Jordan.”

“I know,” Snow said. “But he’s young and he’s strong. That works in his favor.”

The elevator doors parted, and they were quickly moving again to the large, quiet waiting room.

Every time, I think I’m prepared for the wild ride my emotions and my heart rate is going to go on, but I never really am… Its like a little action movie in each story, and I love every second of it!

In this one, we go back to Jude and Snow, which I keep saying are my favorite, but then I remember Noah and Rowe and it’s just a big ol’ toss-up. But, I was glad to see all the guys again, and we get a little peek at all of them, of course they get brought in…. When one person in the family is going through something, they all rally in their bad a $$ glory…

What starts out to be a sexy vacation with Snow and Jude, quickly turns into a nightmare with Jordan, Jude’s baby brother. When the call comes in that he’s been found naked, beaten and shot, it flips a switch in Jude that worries Snow. It’s touch and go for a while for Jordan, but Jude feels somewhat responsible for now keeping a better eye on his brother and therefore feels like he has to find out how it happened and who was behind it.

We know these guys are only inches away from full blown insane, and none of them seem afraid for their safety…. Noah and Rowe seem to find extreme danger, a hobby and a fun past time and it is hilarious when they chase the tails of the evil that sometimes infects their inner circle. It’s entertaining for sure, but my heart broke for Jordan, and Jude for having to watch what happened to his younger brother. I could not imagine, and it had me in tears. Of course, nothing new there, I’m a cryer, but it was heavy and descriptive and it just gutted me. You might need a warning there, it could be triggering to some.

It definitely tripped something in Jude though, even though a healer at heart, he needed to get justice for his brother and I so thoroughly understand that… I know these guys do bad things, it seems like murder is just second nature to them…. But they do it for the greater good. They do it to protect their family, and every single time they take a life, I feel a little vindicated on their behalf.

And through it all, we get such a sweet ending for Jude and Snow. I love seeing the guys with Lucas and Andrei’s baby, and I hope they all get to a point where they have little mini badasses running around. I can’t even imagine the trouble they’d all get into. It would be so perfect….

So, in saying that… you can count it as my vote to just keep this series going forever, because I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of them all. I love it.

Now, if you’ll excuse me… I need to take a blood pressure pill and rest a while til my heart rate goes back to normal. I highly recommend this one! Now, who’s next?!

FAVORITE LINE: “And then, when those twenty minutes were up, they’d plan to set the world on fire.”

5 Pieces of Eye Candy

Oh man I love these books. First the original 4 guys, then little novellas for them. Then a spin off. Now we are getting back to the original 4 and new stories. This book focuses on Snow and Jude- and Jude’s brother.

Jude’s brother ends up beaten, shot and left naked in a field to die when he is found. Jude sees red and wants vengeance, not trusting the cops to do their jobs. So he and Snow poke around a bit themselves, but find that this is way uglier than they thought and enlist Rowe, Noah and one of his hackers to help out.

The more they dig, the uglier it gets. It starts to bring Snow back down a dark path he left behind. But he and Jude are total support for each other without dissolving into that over protective thing.

And even though the guys are working on figuring this out- don’t worry. There is plenty of Snow and Jude hotness to go around.

I really loved that for a good portion of the story it was only Snow and Jude looking into this. They only called Rowan and Noah when they had to. And the other two guys and their significant others are kind of on the back burner and don’t take over the story. Not even Lucas- who loves to take over a story.

The only weak point for me is what brought Jude’s brother to the brink. I thought it was kind of weak. It could have been a lot stronger if the bad guy focused more on the repercussions than what brought him in. How is that for vague? I hate spoilers. Even little ones. Don’t hate. You’ll thank me later. But even that didn’t really detract from the story.

Definitely one of the strongest books of the bunch and I can’t wait for more.

Jocelynn Drake and Rinda Elliott have teamed up to combine their evil genius to create intense gay romantic suspense stories that have car chases, shoot outs, explosions, scorching hot love scenes, and tender, tear-jerking moments. Their first joint books are in the Unbreakable Bonds series.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | eMail

http://drakeandelliott.com/

https://www.facebook.com/drakeandelliott/

https://twitter.com/DrakeandElliott

drakeandelliott@gmail.com

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Family Camp (Daddy Dearest Book 1) by Eli Easton: Blog Tour, Excerpt, Release Day Review and Giveaway

March 28, 2019 by Denise

When Geo signs up for Family Camp, he envisions nature hikes, s’mores, and a chance to win over his recalcitrant new foster kids, Jayden and Lucy. He’s tried to become a dad for so long, and he hopes the three of them can be the family he’s always wanted. What he doesn’t anticipate is the prickly and gorgeous camp counselor who constantly comes to his rescue.

Travis spends a week every year at Camp Evermore, the camp his adoptive parents own. As a pro baseball player, his presence guarantees a full campground and excited campers. He has one rule: never, ever mess around with anyone at camp. His profession demands he stay in the closet. But one sweet and funny new dad is about to test all his resolve.

Sparks fly for Geo and Travis, and not because of the nightly campfire. Having been a foster kid himself, Travis is drawn to Geo’s sincerity and big heart and to his kids. The four of them just fit. But will this be a summer romance? Or can they find a way to be a family long after Family Camp is over?

Length: 219 pages

Cover Design: Reese Dante

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Sixth inning. Geo was ready for the game to be over. It was fucking hot on the ball field, all open and exposed, the sun baking down. And he was also not sure how much more Travis-watching he could take—him with his silky burgundy gym shorts and a sweaty Camp Evermore green shirt stretched over those muscles. His long legs were tanned and well-defined from hours at the gym.

Those thighs could fucking crack walnuts. Dude.

Damn, but that was one fine-looking man. Geo knew he should lay off, though. Travis had made himself clear.

Only he hadn’t. At all. One minute, Travis seemed into him him. He sought out Geo’s company, like the way he kept coming by the cabin at night. And the next minute, he’d put distance between them, ignoring Geo or closing himself off behind a granite-like expression and those eye-hiding shades. And Travis had laid a clear line in the sand. Not at camp. Not gonna happen.

Yup. That was fine. Sure, Geo hadn’t been mutually attracted to a guy that hot in ages. Or ever, really. But Geo hadn’t come to camp to fool around. He had other priorities.

It did make him wonder though. Bridget had said Travis wasn’t out. A quick Google search last night had confirmed that. In fact, Geo had been shocked to discover there’d never been an out baseball player in the major leagues. Like, in the history of American baseball. Which was tragic. No wonder Travis was in the closet. It had to suck monkey balls living like that. Especially with all the women who threw themselves at him constantly. There were a dozen women on the sidelines right now that looked ready to have his babies. That had to be weird for a gay guy. Didn’t it?

Geo himself was always super uncomfortable when women came on to him. He felt compelled to blurt out “I’m gay!” in the first five minutes. It was just too weird otherwise.

Then again, Travis’s love life was none of Geo’s business. Maybe the guy was bisexual. Maybe he liked dating women just fine.

Jayden came up to bat. Geo focused on his son, clapping hard. “Come on, Jayden! You’ve got this!”

Jayden took a wide stance beside the plate, both hands gripping the bat, choked up a little. Travis had spent a few minutes with Jayden at the start of the game, showing him how to stand, and Jayden copied him exactly. The kid was a great mimic. He’d been nervous at first, tense and defensive. But by now he just looked focused. He stared, narrow-eyed, at Frank as Frank pitched an easy ball.

Geo loved that about this game, that everyone tried to give the kids easy wins, and no one took the competition seriously.

Jayden hit the ball hard. It flew through the air a short ways then plonked to the ground and skipped along fast. It was heading right down the center line, though a bit more towards third base and Travis’s side of the field.

“Go Jayden! Go!” Geo shouted. He went after the ball. In his peripheral vision, he saw Jayden round first base and keep running.

Travis was going after the ball too, dodging low. He scooped it up. He was going to throw it to third base, keep Jayden back on second. Geo couldn’t let that happen.

He dove in front of Travis, crowding him, holding an arm out to block Travis from throwing the ball.

Travis snorted, bemused. “What are you doing? You’re on my team.” He backed up, trying to get away from Geo.

“Blood before bros, man,” Geo said with fake seriousness. He kept up with Travis, step for step, grabbing Travis’s right arm in a firm grip so he couldn’t raise the ball.

“Stop it!” Travis laughed. “Dork. That’s not legal.”

“Don’t care.”

They took three steps back, like they were dancing. Geo held Travis’s right arm, staring him down. Travis met his gaze, a goofy smile on his lips. Back and back they stumbled. Suddenly, Travis got a sparkle in his eyes. He wrapped his left arm around Geo’s waist and picked him up, swinging him around so he ended up behind Travis.

Geo was still finding his feet as Travis drew back his arm and sent the ball sailing.

Right to home plate. But Jayden got there first. Umpire Cindy made the motion with her hands, safe.

Geo laughed and raised his arms in triumph. “Yeah, baby! Great job, Jayden! Home run, whoo!”

Then he realized everyone was staring at them. On the sidelines, there were a dozen cameras raised, filming.

Oh. Er. Hmm. Geo wiped his face, feeling sheepish.

That’s when a piercing scream rent the air.

First, let me start off by saying that I adore stories about family. Give me a hot dad any day of the week. I’m a sucker for em… throw in some foster kids that need someone sweet and patient and amazing, like Geo, and I’m droolin’ all over myself page after page.

In this one, Geo is on his way to Family Camp. It’s exactly what it sounds like and he’s excited to take his new foster kids to hopefully do some bonding over the next week. Both kids, twelve year old, Jayden and five-year-old, Lucy, both come from neglectful and troubled pasts, and you will melt for them. They’re both so sweet, though Jayden a little prickly, but understandably so… and Geo is doing everything that he can to make them feel wanted and loved. He’d wanted to be a dad for so long, and now that he has his chance, it’s just not going the way he hoped it would. Still…. He cares for them so much, and it’s obvious that no matter how discouraged he gets, he’s made these kids his family.

Unfortunately, on the way to camp, everything that could go wrong, does go wrong… with the icing on the cake being he’s run out of gas before camp. With a moody almost-teenager and a little girl attached to her dolly’s and not much else, he praying for everything, but mostly a miracle.

Enter Miracle…. Professional major league player, Travis, who’s family owns the camp that they’re all attending for the next week, (though neither of them know it yet)….he stops to help the broken down family and the attraction is more than obvious… however, a misunderstanding has them starting off on the wrong foot, and though I can understand where Travis was coming from, I did want to be like… “you know what they say about folks who assume”….. but, again…. It’s hard not to understand why he felt that way…

ANYWAY…. Once everyone gets to Big Bear, it’s a week of fun in the sun, with hilarious mom’s with their likeminded children…and a pro-baseball player that everyone has their eye on… especially Geo. He’s cool about it though, and over the week, the attraction is reciprocated and acted on, even if it has to be secret, because spoiler alert…. Travis isn’t out… not only not out to his teammates and manager, but also his family… especially his parents, though they’re amazing, so it’s more of a fear thing….which you’ll understand if you read it.

Watching these two fall for each other was entertaining, sweet, cute and downright swoon-worthy, especially when you see Travis with the kids. Both men are so reassuring and patient with the kids who so badly needs all of that from them. It’s just a feel good family type read with some secret sexy times between the trees. I loved every second of it… and though things come to light and careers are tested, and friendships and family are questioned… it all comes together perfectly in the end.

You really just can’t go wrong with this one, and the happiest of happy endings is well worth it!

5 Pieces of Eye Candy

Having been, at various times and under different names, a minister’s daughter, a computer programmer, a game designer, the author of paranormal mysteries, a fan fiction writer, and organic farmer, Eli has been a m/m romance author since 2013. She has over 30 books published.

Eli has loved romance since her teens and she particular admires writers who can combine literary merit, genuine humor, melting hotness, and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, bulldogs, cows, a cat, and lots of groundhogs.

In romance, Eli is best known for her Christmas stories because she’s a total Christmas sap. These include “Blame it on the Mistletoe”, “Unwrapping Hank” and “Merry Christmas, Mr. Miggles”. Her “Howl at the Moon” series of paranormal romances featuring the town of Mad Creek and its dog shifters has been popular with readers. And her series of Amish-themed romances, Men of Lancaster County, has won genre awards.

Her website is www.elieaston.com

You can email her at eli@elieaston.com

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rex (Walkers of Coyote Ridge Book 6) by Nicole Edwards: Release Day Review

March 27, 2019 by Denise

Whether it was due to lack of funds, lack of desire, or one lame excuse after another, Rex Sharpe has managed to ignore the one and only dream he’s ever had: turning his family’s dilapidated old farmhouse into a bed and breakfast. Until now. When his cousin Travis Walker decides to invest in a venture that will help revitalize the small town of Coyote Ridge, Rex knows it’s time to put up or shut up.

They say third time’s a charm, right? Jack Cunningham learns that’s not always true. When his world is unexpectedly tipped on its axis, Jack does what he does best. He runs. Only this time, he doesn’t get far. A one-night encounter with a sexy cowboy has Jack’s already topsy-turvy world spinning even more, and he soon learns, it’s only the beginning.

Amazon

I read quite a few Nicole Edwards books back in the day. Now that I pretty strictly read MM, I read Ethan a few years ago and Beau last year. I enjoyed Ethan, Beau was ok. But this one was really, meh. I was bored.

The first three chapters are just first, Rex trying to talk himself into something, then the next is Jack trying to talk himself into something and then Rex again. Rex was trying to convince himself to work on his dream project. Turning his generational family home into a bed and breakfast. Not for nothing, but if you have had this dream since you were 13, probably you wouldn’t have to talk yourself into it.

Jack is trying to convince himself to go inside his apartment. Where fiance number 3 is. But he doesn’t want to. He should have listened to himself.

Jack and Rex meet at a bar. Cliche. Jack gets wasted and Rex drives him- a complete stranger- back to his hotel. But don’t worry, Rex would never take advantage of a drunk straight guy! He will let him nap for an hour or so first. *eye roll*

And now because there aren’t any hotel rooms anywhere around him, Jack ends up in Rex’s spare bedroom. Uh huh.

Have hot sex- walk away and ignore it. Flirt heavily- then turn a cold shoulder. Get in a big fight- hide in your room.

I really, really hate to say this. But the dynamic between Jack and Rex was much like that of het couples in traditional romances I won’t read anymore. Because of all of this bs.

I felt no connection, no chemistry between them. Boring.

Besides the completely unbelievable happenings of a huge influx of money from family investors into a B&B that has no business plan at all.

Rex has trauma from his past. Because of that trauma, the town shunned him and his brother. His brother left when he was 18, but Rex stuck around. Because B&B dreams. (And Rex is one of the least likely guys to seem to want to open a B&B, but whatevs). But he doesn’t seem to have any issues with nosy townspeople now.

I made it to the end. Barely. I don’t know if I could read another by this author. Honestly, I think she should stick with MF romances.

2.5 Pieces of Eye Candy

Black by Quin & Perin: New Release Review

March 26, 2019 by Denise

“Meow!”
There it was.
The sound that made my knees buckle.
He purred, neck stretched, eyes half-lidded.
With those cat ears, in his hair.
And the tail, that he flicked.

A ray of sun in the drizzling rain. I’d been a traveler, floating adrift, while he’d stayed in one place. How was I supposed to know he’d become my anchor? My light. My everything. But would I ever become his?

***As a standalone romance, “Black” features detailed adult m/m content, a hurt/comfort relationship as well as “kitty play.”

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Alright, so… a book with kitty play.

Where do I start? …. First, the premise had me like, whaaaaaat? Then I giggled, then maybe I scoffed, then I thought about it and was still like, whaaaaaaat? But I thought, alright, I’ve never heard of this, sounds ridiculous, I laughed and I scoffed and I thought whaaaaaat? But I kinda wanna read it.
Y’all, I am SO. GLAD. I. DID !

We’ll first start with Tony, who had quit his job as a lawyer and developed a gyspy soul that made for leavin. He stayed long enough in one place to make a little money and then he was off to something new, experiencing new things and being fortunate enough to write about it. All this happens off page, we’re only told about it in the beginning, but you get a good look at his life from before he made it town to visit his sister and niece. I adored Tony, with hipster beard, his man bun and his tattoo’s. I also loved his confidence, his patience and sweetness, I believe you will too.

So, upon one of his first days in town, he sits on the beach, taking in this new place, where he runs across Dima. Dima is snarky, also confident, almost too confident, and doesn’t give Tony the time of day, even if he does appreciate the way he keeps coming back each day to try to impress him. But, it’s mostly an act for Dima, because Tony’s exactly someone that Dima would like in his life, he’s just been smacked down too many times, the last boyfriend he had, taking the cake, so he knew better now. Nobody stays. Everyone leaves him. It was so understandable. I really felt for him. He had his reason’s and once you get to know him, you’ll understand why……. Lemme tell ya, I got hit with right hook there in beginning, and I loved it! I adored Dima.

So, just like a kitty you wanted to keep, if you kept coming back, kept doing little things to gain it’s trust, they’ll eventually stop swatting at you, and let you live in their world. That’s what Tony did. He kept coming back, he didn’t let Dima tell him no, didn’t let Dima push him away, and he tried. Ooooh, how he’d tried.

The kitty kink was something that neither of them had tried before and it was cute watching them both figure it out. It seems so weird, and I don’t mean to kink shame…. But cats? I am NOT a cat person. But ya know who is? Tony…. LOL
They never got weird with it, it was never something taboo or gross. It was sweet, really hot and once you got to know Dima, it was perfect. The way he cuddled into Tony was so feline like, the way he purred when he was happy or had Tony’s hands on him. It didn’t start out a purr, it was just a noise he makes that sounds like a purr… A content sound, and Tony loved hearing it. Dima also had claws, that liked to come out when he was riled up with Tony, both in bed and out of it. So, if you keep an open mind, you’ll see all these things that make what they’re doing something that they both need. Weird as it may seem, it just really wasn’t.

Then, a surprise from an ex and my heart gets broken. I wanted to punch him in the face and skin him alive. It’s still fresh, seeing as I just finished the book, and I want to rant until all the bad words about him tell you enough to get the picture. But, I’ll not get ranty in this one, and let you all read it for yourself, because you need to…. Because experiencing it like I did, had me crying and scoffing and again, saying whaaaaaaaaaat are you doing!!?? But in the end, you won’t be disappointed, (even though I would’ve liked to have seen Dima tell the ex where to shove his impatience and snooty attitude)…. It worked out beautifully in the end, and I honestly am going to say right now, that I cannot recommend this book enough. It’s so much more than kitty play, and I can promise you by the first page, you’ll be sucked in.

I’d absolutely love to see more from these two. I’d love read more about their lives together, so, just throwin that out there! Overall, it was an excellent read, and I really, really enjoyed it!

5 pieces of eye candy from me!

Wicked Games (Queen City Rogues Series, Book 2) by Aimee Nicole Walker: Blog Tour, Excerpt, New Release Review and Giveaway

March 26, 2019 by Denise

Ryder Jameson and Lucien Clarke have a complicated past: Ryder conserves art; Lucien steals it. Their love-hate relationship spans six years and two continents and has endured multiple heists. Hoping to restore his tarnished reputation, Ryder returns home to Cincinnati to accept a position at an acclaimed museum. When Lucien suddenly reappears in Ryder’s life, the treasure seeker hopes to nab a priceless Shang Dynasty artifact and recapture Ryder’s jilted heart.

Something more sinister than stolen art is stirring in the Queen City. Ryder and Lucien must join forces to untangle a web of secrets, lies, and treachery bigger than either of them expected. Trust won’t come easy, but they’ll need to rely on each other because pulling the wrong thread could have deadly consequences.

Is it fate that keeps bringing Ryder and Lucien together, or are they merely pawns in someone’s wicked games? Will they play for keeps this time or become collateral damage?

Wicked Games is a second-chance romance filled with passion, humor, and intrigue. It’s the second book in the Queen City Rogues series but can be read on its own. Wicked Games contains mature sexual content intended for readers 18 and older.

Wicked Games

Queen City Rogues Series, Book 2

Aimee Nicole Walker

M/M Romance/Suspense

Release Date: 03.11.19

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Ryder said nothing else until we arrived at the hotel. “Really? You’re staying inside a museum? Talk about irony. Do you steal the towels and robes from the luxury hotels before you scurry out of town? Is your urbane polish nothing but a veneer?”

Ryder knew fully well the ways my inner beast and baser needs could make a person forget all about the polish that had initially caught their attention. I’d never felt bad about using my looks, charisma, or my body to get what I wanted until I met Ryder. Then each day became one regret after the other until my life was nothing more than a cold existence. I recognized the same loneliness when I looked into Ryder’s stunning blue eyes. I couldn’t remember a time when I hated myself more.

“Come on,” Ryder said irritably. “I have things I need to do this evening.”

Rage and lust were such a heady combination, and it was all I could do to keep from pushing Ryder up against the lift wall and giving him the reunion we both so badly wanted. I didn’t speak to him, and I kept my hands in my pockets to prevent myself from reaching for him until we arrived at my hotel room. Don’t cross the line again. You’ve caused him enough pain.

“Are we doing this or not?” Ryder challenged when my hesitance became obvious.

The title of this book immediately makes me start singing Chris Isaak in my head. And if you don’t know what I am talking about I wonder if you are old enough to read these smexy books. Hmmm?

Disclaimer that this book is part of a series, which is a spin off of a larger series. But this one is the most stand alone of all of them. But they are all fun reads.

Back to the book.

Ryder goes back to his hometown of Cincinnati with his tail between his legs a bit after being fired from two jobs after artwork goes missing. With his mother on the board and an opening available for an art restoration specialist, Ryder takes the job.

But he can’t stop thinking about Sebastian. The man he pretty much fell in love with and then disappeared. Twice. Coincidence? Probably not. But then- Lucien, FKA as Sebastian, shows his face again. And a piece of art goes missing. AGAIN!

We find out Lucien’s true purpose and why he does what he does. And you actually feel badly for the guy. The guy who lied to and left poor Ryder high and dry TWICE!

Enter Lucien’s associates, boss and nemesis. All of the side characters were super fun and great additions to the story. Most of them band together to figure out who done it and why.

Lucien and Ryder have great chemistry. Even when Ryder “hates” Lucien. They simply cannot resist each other. It’s kind of funny and cute when Ryder tries to.

This was a fun romp with some interesting twists and turns and one gut punch. I gasped out loud.

Even though the story line is more serious, it really isn’t angsty and Aimee Nicole Walker is always good at injecting a bit of humor at the right time.

4 pieces of eye candy

Ever since she was a little girl, Aimee Nicole Walker entertained herself with stories that popped into her head. Now she gets paid to tell those stories to other people. She wears many titles—wife, mom, and animal lover are just a few of them. Her absolute favorite title is champion of the happily ever after. Love inspires everything she does, music keeps her sane, and coffee is the magic elixir that fuels her day. I’d love to hear from you.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Broken Promise by Mel Gough: Blog Tour with Excerpt

March 22, 2019 by Denise

Ben and Donnie are happier than they’ve ever been. Zac’s adoption went off without a hitch, their new home is tranquil and the perfect place to build their future.

But Donnie can never catch a break. An old affliction flares up again and as a result his physical condition is more precarious than ever. Helen is nervous about the environment to which Ben subjects their daughter, and Ben struggles to keep everything ticking over.

Then he meets Paul, an enigmatic, handsome journalist who is more than a little interested in Ben. In equal measures flattered and disturbed by the attention, Ben finds himself on the brink of a decision that might shatter the happiness he’s worked so hard to achieve

NEW RELEASE – BOOK 3

Book Title: A Broken Promise (Loving Again Series, Book 3)

Author: Mel Gough

Publisher: Self-published

Cover Artist: Black Jazz Design

Genre/s: Contemporary romance

Heat Rating: 4 flames

Length: 127 print pages

Release Date: March 22, 2019

Add on Goodreads

Amazon US

Amazon UK

CHAPTER 1

How could they have so much stuff?

When Donnie and Ben had moved into the duplex just over six months ago there had been ten boxes, eight of which had been Ben’s. Donnie had had a ruthless clear-out of his and Floyd’s little house, and had thrown away most of his meagre possessions.

Of course, adding a baby—toddler now—to the mix meant a lot more stuff, and it all needed packing up.

Still, fifteen boxes in the bedroom alone seemed excessive.

Ben straightened and wiped his brow. He surveyed the result of three hours’ hard labor. Only a small suitcase remained open, with a couple of changes of clothes for each of them. The living room and kitchen were equally crammed with boxes, though they’d held back packing the crockery so far. The kitchen was chaotic enough with all of their different dietary requirements without having to hunt around for plates to eat from, too.

The new house, a find of Arthur’s just like their condo had been, was less than a mile from the apartment. Ben and Donnie had both come to love Ormewood with its quiet, leafy streets. The small bungalow had two bedrooms, which they’d badly need. The smaller one was going to be the nursery, with a second bed for Laura. Unlike the condo, the house wasn’t freshly decorated, but the road it stood on was quiet, and they would have a large yard at the front and back, where flower and vegetable beds had already been in good use.

The front door banged shut. “Evening,” Ben called, but there was no response. He put down the parcel tape and scissors and went into the hall.

Donnie stood by the front door gripping the doorknob hard, his head lowered. His breath came in painful-sounding gasps. Zac, who stood by Donnie’s side, looked around. The confusion on his round face cleared as he spotted Ben. “Pa!” He came running, and Ben picked him up. Fear churned his gut at the sight of Donnie’s bent-over form.

Hoisting Zac onto his hip, he asked, “What’s the matter?” In response, Donnie lifted his head and Ben’s question was answered at once. His face was white as chalk. “Whoa,” Ben exclaimed. “You look terrible.”

“Some kids got the stomach flu, and… shit…” With a low moan, Donnie staggered past Ben into the bathroom and shut the door.

“Dadda?” Zac asked tentatively.

Ben stroked his back. “I think Dadda’s not feeling so good. We gotta be nice, all right?”

Zac nodded, looking scared.

Ben hugged him. “It’s gonna be okay,” he whispered into the little boy’s dark curls, as much to reassure himself as Zac.

Donnie reemerged a long few minutes later, seemingly on the verge of passing out, his face ashen and sweaty. Ben hurriedly stood Zac on his feet and took Donnie by the elbow, his own heart hammering. “C’mere.” Donnie leaned his head against Ben’s neck, breaths ragged, his forehead burning. They stood still for a moment until Donnie began to shiver. “Let’s get you horizontal,” Ben murmured. Zac trailed them into the bedroom.

Ben struggled getting Donnie out of his shoes and pants. He had sweated through his shirt so Ben got a fresh T-shirt from the open suitcase. Great timing.As if moving wasn’t stressful enough already.

“Here, stretch out.” Ben pulled the blankets back. Donnie curled up, shuddering, his hands pressed hard to his stomach.

“You sure it’s just flu?” Ben asked, dread twisting his insides.

Donnie buried his face in the pillow. “What else?” His voice was tense and despondent.

“Could be your pancreas again?” Ben swallowed, dismayed at the thought. He sat on the edge of the bed and put a hand on Donnie’s neck, which was clammy and hot.

“Daycare kids’re sick,” Donnie insisted. “I just picked up their virus¾”

“Even if that’s true,” Ben interrupted. “We need to get you looked at, have your T-cells checked¾” He broke off as Donnie groaned and struggled to sit up.

Ben helped him to his feet, but Donnie pulled away. “Can manage.”

To distract himself and give Donnie some space, Ben went into the kitchen to locate a basin in one of the boxes. He was on his way back to the bedroom when Donnie reappeared, looking even whiter than before. Ben took him into his arms and Donnie clung on hard.

“Feeling any better?”

“Not really.” The hands went back to Donnie’s belly. Fear gripped Ben like an icy fist, but he said nothing.

Zac had somehow managed to climb into their bed. He looked at them with a serious expression on his little round face. “Dadda,” he said and stretched his arms out.

Donnie stopped dead. “He’ll get sick, Ben.”

“If he’s going to catch this it’s already happened,” Ben said. “But I’ll call Arthur, ask him if he can take Zac until you’re over the worst. I can’t look after you both, not with the move, as well.”

Donnie’s face creased. “I don’t like it when he’s away,” he whispered. “But you’re right. I’m real sorry, Ben.”

“It’s okay.” Ben hugged him and kissed his temple. “For now, give bub a cuddle. You need it.” He helped Donnie back into bed, and Donnie pulled Zac close, curling around him with a whimper. Ben watched them a moment. Donnie shivered and shifted around. With a sigh, Ben went to find his phone which he last remembered seeing in the chaotic living room.

When he returned to the bedroom Donnie had fallen asleep. Zac was stroking his face, but when he saw Ben, he started to wriggle free. Ben extracted him with care. Donnie sighed and turned over without waking. Ben put Zac in his cot, then, phone pressed to his ear, he started to pack a bag for Zac’s visit to Arthur.

Mel was born in Germany, where she spent the first twenty-six years of her life (with a one-year stint in Los Angeles). She has always been fascinated by cultures and human interaction, and got a Masters in Social Anthropology. After finishing university she moved to London, where she has now lived for ten years.

If you were to ask her parents what Mel enjoyed the most since the age of six, they would undoubtedly say “Reading!” She would take fifteen books on a three-week beach holiday, and then read all her mom’s books once she’d devoured her own midway through week two.

Back home in her mom’s attic there’s a box full of journals with stories Mel wrote when she was in her early teens. None of the stories are finished, or any good. She has told herself bedtime stories as far back as she can remember.

In her day job, Mel works as PA and office manager. No other city is quite like London, and Mel loves her city. The hustle and bustle still amaze and thrill her even after all these years. When not reading, writing or going to the theater, Mel spends her time with her long-time boyfriend, discussing science or poking fun at each other.

Author Links

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE FOR

A BROKEN PROMISE

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions